suance. The standards, which are aligned with the UN’s
Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business model, are designed to
ensure a global industry framework that accelerates digitalization.
“Digitizing documentation, starting with the bill of lading,
is key to the simplification and digitalization of global trade,” remarked
Thomas Bagge, CEO of DCSA. “The alignment we’ve achieved among the carriers is
a critical milestone on the way to full eBL adoption. Paperless trade will
benefit all parties involved in a transaction in terms of cost reduction,
customer experience, efficiency, growth, innovation, and sustainability. We
invite all industry stakeholders to collaborate with us on optimizing eDocumentation
standards for safely and seamlessly delivering goods to their final
destination.”
This is the first publication of the multi-year DCSA
eDocumentation initiative which will deliver standards to enable digitalization
of end-to-end container shipping documentation, starting with the B/L. The eBL
standard is also the first DCSA standard to be eligible for self-certification
under a new DCSA Compliance Programme, which will be published in January 2021.
Any organization that implements the eBL standard may demonstrate compliance by
completing a self-certification checklist (SCC).
“The COVID pandemic has brought more urgency to the shift
towards digitalization of the global trade environment,” said Oswald Kuyler,
Managing Director Digital Standards Initiative (DSI) at the International
Chamber of Commerce. “Achieving a standardized eBL is a foundational element of
that transformation. It’s fantastic to see alliances stepping up to the
challenge, working with industry stakeholders, and delivering something
practical that can have a tangible impact. I’m looking forward to working with
DCSA to advocate for adoption of digital standards not only for the B/L - but
potentially for other use cases as well.”
The DCSA Standard for the Bill of Lading can be implemented
immediately to streamline and align paper-based B/L data and processes.
Subsequent releases of DCSA’s eDocumentation initiative will include data and
process standards for booking request and confirmation, arrival notice, and
release shipment.